Classic introduction to objectives and methods of schools of empiricism and linguistic analysis, especially of the logical positivism derived from the Vienna Circle. Topics: elimination of metaphysics, function of philosophy, nature of philosophical analysis, the a priori, truth and probability, critique of ethics and theology, self and the common world, more.
Reviewer:DanTOR
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November 25, 2013 Subject:
Language, Truth and Logic - A.J. Ayer
What can one say about one of the great books of analytic philosophy? I met Sir Alfred Ayer years ago when I was a graduate student at UBC in Vancouver, Canada. I was invited to a dinner with him along with a number of other grad students. I rushed through the book in order to be conversant at the dinner. I must admit the first time through the book I didn't understand a lot of what he wrote. Nevertheless, I have now reread the book a number of times and find his insights into analytic philosophy invaluable, especially for a good understanding of logical empiricism. If you are a beginning student in philosophy this is a must read.